In a world that is constantly evolving, new challenges are arising. Pre existing solutions may not be a feasible option anymore. As a result, this can lead to higher demands for more innovative and creative means of solving problems. Reading Crichton and Carter’s (2017) Design Challenge approach was refreshing and inspirational. In my previous life as an instructor and educator, this approach further expanded my capacity to see what inquiry and problem-based learning in classrooms could look like. When adopting a design challenge approach “supported by making through a design thinking process”, it can result in learners being encouraged to discover problems and “prototype possible solutions” (Crichton and Carter, 2017).
Based on Crichton and Carter’s (2017) experience, they suggest that there are three primary ways to structure a design challenge: (1) As an inquiry question, (2) as a problem to be solved, and (3) as a scenario to play out. How can I transfer this valuable knowledge to my professional setting? I currently work at a professional association that provides policy and training support to municipal finance staff. Based on my current position, how can I receive support from my manager and colleagues to adopt a design challenge to discover ways to solve complex or wicked problems that in turn can better support our members’ operations (Crichton and Carter, 2017)? By adopting an empathetic design lens through a design challenge that is appropriately structured, we can alter how we view our members’ needs and create a larger impact when we engage with them. With the changing landscape that our local governments are experiencing, my organization can provide more enriching learning opportunities for members to expand their knowledge and expertise in a way that is conducive for continual growth.
Reference
Crichton, S. & Carter, D. (2017). Taking making into classrooms: A toolkit for fostering curiosity and imagination. Open School/ITA. Retrieved from https://mytrainingbc.ca/maker/en/toolkit/Taking_Making_into_Classrooms.pdf
January 12, 2020 at 1:01 pm
Hi Eunice
Great post! It spoke to me as I work in the municipal sector and I agree, the landscape is definitely changing as we speak. You ask a very valid question around obtaining support from your manager/supervisor in order to adopt a design challenge as a way to solve complex or wicked problem to support your members (Leung, 2020). I have been giving this some thought and here is my suggestion for you. Initially, I thought that you should prepare information and present it to management. However, after considering your ‘ask’, it may be more beneficial to involve management in a design challenge.
As instructional designers we have to provide management with the information to make an informed decision. Sometimes the best way for people to make an informed decision is to participate in the learning. Would there be any value in you preparing a presentation for management with the intention of educating them on what is a define challenge and how it can positively impact the local government you work with on a regular basis? In my experience, the best method of doing this is to provide management the opportunity to participate in a design challenge so that they are constructing their own learning about the benefits of it. Constructivism theory suggests that learning is created through experience (Ertmer & Newby, 2013) and management could obtain first-hand experience in the benefits of a design challenge. As Ertmer & Newby (2013) suggested the learner must be engaged and using the tools in a real-world situation (p. 57). By giving management the opportunity to participate in the design challenge, they will first hand understand the components of it and then they will be in a position to hopefully support this initiative for you.
References
Ertmer, P., & Newby, T. (2013 Online). Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism: Comparing critical features from an instructional design perspective. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 26(2), 43-71.
Leung, E. (2020, January 11). Designing and thinking for success. [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://malat-webspace.royalroads.ca/rru0104/designing-and-thinking-for-success/
January 16, 2020 at 1:06 pm
Hi Caroline,
Thank you for stopping by and reading my post! Involving management in participating in the design challenge is a great idea. I have to convenience them and/or provide a business case as to why their time and involvement will be an added value to the process. This will also give them the opportunity to go through the series of thinking and collaborating process, so they also are also able to get a better insight in what goes on behind the scenes.
Thanks so much for your suggestions,
Eunice